Fantasy Football Week 10 WR Rankings

* Participants in Thursday night’s Denver @ Cleveland game are not recognized in week 10 WR rankings (see fantasy recommendations for Thursday night for info on those players)

1. Anquan Boldin (ARI) – We can probably all agree that the single most important factor in fantasy football is the almighty TD, and this guy flat out knows how to get into the end zone. Boldin has managed to find pay dirt in 5 consecutive games now and his NFL leading 8 receiving TD’s is even more impressive when you consider that he missed 2 games this season. Simply put, Boldin is a TD machine, so you would have to be crazy to leave him off of your week 10 fantasy roster.

2. Roddy White (ATL) – While White’s numbers took a bit of a dip in week 9, it wasn’t all that surprising, considering he was matched up against Oakland’s Nnamdi Asomugha, arguably the NFL’s top shut down corner back. The good news is that White should get back to business as usual with an excellent week 10 match up against the Saints. New Orleans ranks amongst the worst in the NFL in pass defense and have allowed 12 TD’s through the air in just 8 games. White torched the Saints secondary in both meetings last season accumulating 185 receiving yards and 2 TD’s. White should have a monster week 10.

3. Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) – Like most teams he faces, Fitzgerald has owned the 49ers in recent meetings. In his last 2 games against San Francisco, Fitzgerald has 12 receptions for 187 yards and 3 TD’s. Fitzgerald is nursing a sore thumb, but he was able to practice, and claims that it will not be a factor this week. Fitzgerald should come up big against a mediocre 49ers pass defense on the big Monday night stage in week 10. Check injury report: thumb

4. Andre Johnson (HOU) – He wasn’t able to continue his streak of double digit receptions and over 100 receiving yards in week 9, but he more than made up for it by finding the end zone. Johnson will likely be challenged in week 10 by Baltimore’s 4th ranked pass defense, but he is in the zone right now, and his vast talents should rise above the difficult match up. In addition, we don’t expect much drop off, if any, with Sage Rosenfels at QB. Johnson has proven in the past to have an equally solid rapport with both signal callers. He is a must start.

5. Greg Jennings (GB) – While Jennings didn’t have his typical monster output in week 9, he was able to hold his own with a respectable 79 receiving yards against the Titans elite secondary. He should have a much easier go of it in week 10 against a mediocre Vikings pass defense. Jennings had 5 receptions for 91 yards against Minnesota back in week 1, but a blown call cost him a long TD reception in that game deflating his true contribution. We expect bigger and better things for him this time around.

6. Dwayne Bowe (KC) – Contrary to expectations, Bowe has actually proven to be more successful with Tyler Thigpen under center. We see no reason why that success shouldn’t continue in week 10 against the NFL’s worst pass defense. The Chargers secondary has given up more passing yards than any other team in the league in addition to allowing a ridiculous 14 passing TD’s in 8 games. We are as surprised as anyone to see the Chiefs passing game clicking, but facts are facts, and this match up bodes well under the circumstances. Get Bowe in your line up!

7. Lee Evans (BUF) – He was a bit of a disappointment in week 9, but it’s probably too much to ask of any receiver to light it up every week. He should rebound nicely in week 10. While Evans doesn’t have the best track record against the Patriots, this is not the New England pass defense of season’s past. The 2008 edition of the Pat’s secondary can best be described as mediocre at best, and they rank near the bottom of the NFL with 13 passing TD’s allowed through 8 games. Evans is too important to the Bills success in this match up for them not to target him early and often. He should exploit this defenses biggest weakness, pass defense.

8. Laveranues Coles (NYJ) – After a disappointing week 9, Coles should get back on track with his best match up in weeks. He will face a St. Louis pass defense that ranks 28th in the NFL. The Rams have allowed 12 passing TD’s in 8 games while giving up 246 yards through the air per game. The Jets passing game should click against this defense and Coles should benefit more than anyone. Check injury report: thigh

9. Bernard Berrian (MIN) – He will have his work cut out for him in week 10 against a stingy Green Bay pass defense that ranks in the top 5 of the NFL. That said, Berrian has a TD catch in each of his last 4 games to go along with a 107 yard receiving average during that stretch. He is on fire and he should remain in your starting line up in spite of the difficult match up.

10. Calvin Johnson (DET) – He continued his excellent play in week 9 with his 4th TD catch in as many games. While it is a concern if Daunte Culpepper starts at QB over Dan Orlovsky this week, given the solid chemistry that has developed between Orlovsky and Johnson, you probably can’t afford to have Johnson out of your line up. He will be matched up against a mediocre Jaguars pass defense that has allowed 14 passing TD’s in 8 games. Regardless of who starts at QB, it would be ill advised to bench the hot handed Johnson with such a favorable week 10 match up.

11. Steve Smith (CAR) – With 4 TD’s and 109 receiving yards on average in his last 5 games, Smith is one of the hottest fantasy WR’s out there. That said, he is likely to meet his match in week 10 against Oakland’s shut down CB Nnamdi Asomugha. While it will be a tall order for Smith to put up big numbers in this match up, they should move him around to help create mismatches against some of Oakland’s less effective defensive backs. Keep your expectations realistic under the circumstances this week, but you can never count Smith out even against the best of corner backs, and he is far too talented to leave on the bench.

12. Reggie Wayne (PIT) – While his numbers have been below par in recent weeks, Wayne remains an elite fantasy option, and should be started accordingly. He is due to get back on track in spite of a difficult week 10 match up against Pittsburgh’s top ranked pass defense. Wayne should be nearly 100% for the first time in a couple of weeks following a knee sprain, so you probably can’t afford to sit him regardless of the tough week.

13. Randy Moss (NE) – He isn’t putting up the kind of numbers that he would with Tom Brady at QB, but we like the fact that he is at least starting to develop some consistency with Matt Cassel. In his last 3 games, Moss is averaging 6 receptions for 79 receiving yards to go along with 2 TD’s. Moss will face a fairly solid Buffalo pass defense in week 10, but based on his numbers against them last season, he shouldn’t have too much trouble regardless of who the QB is. In 2 games against Buffalo in ‘07, Moss accumulated a combined 15 receptions for 243 yards and 6 TD’s. While you can’t expect him to duplicate that kind of production this time around, he obviously knows his way around this secondary. Check injury report: foot

14. Jerricho Cotchery (NYJ) – He hasn’t found pay dirt in his last 4 games, but Cotchery has put up solid numbers otherwise, especially in PPR leagues. He will have a good chance to end his TD drought with his best match up in weeks against a terrible Rams secondary in week 10. The St. Louis pass defense ranks just 28th in the NFL and they have allowed 12 receiving TD’s in 8 games. Check injury report: shoulder

15. Marques Colston (NO) – In spite of a decent 56 yard performance in week 8, it seems obvious that Colston is still trying to get his game legs back under him. With a week 9 bye, the extra week should have provided Colston ample time to get back on cue with QB Drew Brees. We would be surprised if he doesn’t get back to producing on the high level we are accustomed to as soon as this week. Colston has a favorable week 10 match up against a shaky Falcons secondary. In his last meeting against Atlanta, Colston had 9 catches for 92 yards and 2 TD’s.

16. Matt Jones (JAX) – If you are in a PPR league, then you have to love Jones consistently high output in recent weeks. That said, we like his chances for a strong performance in all formats of fantasy football this week. Reason being that Jones will face the 29th ranked pass defense of the Detroit Lions in week 10. The Lions secondary has been horrible this season allowing 13 passing TD’s in just 8 games in addition to giving up more pass plays over 40 yards than any other team in the NFL with 8. This match up holds a lot of promise and is too good to pass up. Jones should be in your week 10 line up.

17. Derrick Mason (BAL) – He has now put up big stat lines in 2 of the last 3 weeks, and the one week he didn’t, Mason was fighting the flu and playing against one of the best CB’s in the NFL. It is clear that Mason and QB Joe Flacco have developed one of the better rapports in the NFL between QB and WR. You should probably expect the duo to hook up early and often again in week 10. Mason will face a decent Houston secondary in this match up, but he is a strong candidate to find the end zone in back to back games as the Texans are vulnerable against the pass in the red zone. The Houston pass defense has allowed 12 passing TD’s in 8 games.

18. Plaxico Burress (NYG) – We realize that it’s tough to stick with Burress while he is in such a severe drought, and no one would blame you for benching him facing down a difficult week 10 match up against the Eagles 8th ranked pass defense. That said, you also have to believe that it is only a matter of time before he gets back on track as Burress is too talented to continue to play at such a poor level. However difficult this week’s match up may be, Burress probably still gives you a better chance at a big performance than a second tier WR on a current hot streak. He had 11 receptions for 160 yards and 2 TD’s in 2 combined games against Philly last season.

19. Vincent Jackson (SD) – You have to like the way Jackson has stepped his game up in recent weeks. He has scored a TD in each of his last 3 games while averaging 79 receiving yards per game during that stretch. He should continue his success with a promising week 10 match up against a mediocre Kansas City secondary. Even with Chris Chambers back in the Chargers line up, we expect Jackson to remain hot.

20. Donald Driver (GB) – He hasn’t been very consistent this season, but Driver is coming off of a monster week 9 performance against an elite Tennessee Titans pass defense. He should be able to carry the momentum into a much more manageable week 10 match up against a mediocre Vikings pass defense. He is a bit risky with his hit or miss tendencies, but we like his chances.

21. Wes Welker (NE) – With only 1 TD on the season so far, Welker is not a strong fantasy play for TD heavy leagues, but he is ideal for PPR leagues where he continues to put up consistent solid totals. You can expect more of the same in week 10 against Buffalo. If you are not in a PPR league, you might want to consider another option.

22. Lance Moore (NO) – He can be hit or miss with so many bodies vying for Drew Brees’ attention in the Saints passing game, but you probably can’t afford to leave his potential on the bench most weeks. That is especially true for week 10 where Moore has a particularly favorable match up against a mediocre Falcons secondary.

23. Muhsin Muhammad (CAR) – He hasn’t been especially good in recent weeks, but Muhammad should see plenty of targets in week 10. If Oakland’s shut down CB Nnamdi Asomugha is locked onto to Steve Smith as expected, that should open the door for Muhammad to make some plays against the Raiders otherwise poor pass defense. You probably can’t expect a monster game from him, but the circumstances are favorable. The Raiders have been torched by #2 receivers throughout the season.

24. Donnie Avery (STL) – You can probably expect him to have an off week here and there being that he is a rookie which was certainly the case in week 9. That said, we like Avery’s chances to rebound in week 10. He has a favorable match up against the Jets 24th ranked pass defense.

25. Santonio Holmes (PIT) – He doesn’t have the best of week 10 match ups against the Colts 3rd ranked pass defense, but we still like his potential in this match up. Reason being that he will probably have Byron Leftwich at QB. Leftwich has made it very clear that Holmes is his favorite target in spite of limited action together. Leftwich seems to always look Holmes way first, and he even made a couple of ill advised throws in week 9 trying to get the ball to him. He will have his work cut out for him against a stingy Indianapolis secondary, but Holmes should see plenty of targets if Leftwich is under center. He is still a decent fantasy play if Roethlisberger at QB as well.

26. Chris Chambers (SD) – He doesn’t typically put up big reception or yardage totals, but Chambers knows how to find the end zone. He has 5 TD’s so far this season despite playing in only 6 games. Chambers should have ample opportunity for touch down number 6 against a fairly weak Kansas City secondary, but TD’s don’t come easy. Check injury report: ankle

27. Greg Camarillo (MIA) – He is already putting up consistent reception and yardage totals, and if he could start to find the end zone on a consistent basis, Camarillo could develop into a top flight fantasy option. He is coming off of a career best 11 receptions for 111 yards in week 9. Camarillo should be able to carry that momentum over into a favorable week 10 match up against Seattle. The Seahawks rank just 31st in the NFL against the pass and have allowed 13 passing TD’s in 8 games.

28. Hines Ward (PIT) – While Ward’s numbers have been on a downward slide in recent weeks, he remains a decent fantasy play. He doesn’t have a great week 10 match up against the Colts 3rd ranked pass defense, but you can never count him out, and he is due to get back on track. Check injury report: shoulder

29. DeSean Jackson (PHI) – You can probably expect him to be a hit or miss fantasy option moving forward with Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown back in the Eagles line up. That said, Jackson remains the most dangerous weapon in Philadelphia’s passing game and therefore retains solid fantasy value. He is always one play away from giving you solid production regardless of the match up, which isn’t ideal in week 10 against the Giants 2nd ranked pass defense. Check injury report: groin

30. Steve Breaston (ARI) – You can’t expect big games from Breaston on a consistent basis as a #3 receiver for the Cardinals, but he should put up decent numbers most weeks, and sprinkle in the occasional big performance. He has a favorable week 10 match up against the 49ers 19th ranked pass defense. Breaston had 3 receptions for 54 yards against San Francisco back in week 1.

31. Kevin Walter (HOU) – You can never be certain what he is going to give you, but it is probably best to keep him active to avoid any regrets. Walter doesn’t have a very good week 10 match up against the Ravens top 5 pass defense, but he traditionally plays well when Sage Rosenfels is at QB which is the case this week. Walter is a risky, but capable fantasy option under the circumstances. Check injury report: knee32. Mark Bradley (KC) – He is a risky play for week 10, but Bradley has put up double digit fantasy totals in back to back weeks now. It doesn’t hurt that he will be facing the worst pass defense in the NFL in week 10 either. Bradley could make for a nice sneaky fantasy start with a favorable match up against the Chargers. He is still flying under the radar and we like his chances as our sleeper of the week pick.

33. Torry Holt (STL) – Holt is coming off of his second best fantasy performance of the season in week 9 with 6 catches for 58 yards and a TD. While it was promising to see him rise to the challenge, you shouldn’t expect that every week. Holt does have a favorable week 10 match up against the Jets 24th ranked pass defense, but it is a road game, and he has not fared particularly well in away games this year.

34. Kevin Curtis (PHI) – He is coming off of a promising week 9performance, but Curtis will have a tough row to hoe in week 10 against the Giants 2nd ranked pass defense. While Curtis does not have a great track record against New York, he is certainly capable of putting up numbers in any match up. Check injury report: wrist, knee

35. Isaac Bruce (SF) – He has put up strong fantasy numbers on more than one occasion this season. Unfortunately, week 1 against Arizona was not one of those weeks and Bruce’s opposition in week 10 will be the same Cardinals pass defense that shut him out on opening day. We are fairly optimistic that Bruce will fare much better against them this time around with Shaun Hill under center, but you might want to consider a safer option.

36. Anthony Gonzalez (IND) – While Gonzalez is capable of putting up big time fantasy totals any week , as was evident in week 9, you can just as easily count on him to go bust. You probably shouldn’t expect much from Gonzalez against the Steelers top ranked pass defense in week 10.

37. Devery Henderson (NO) – To our dismay, he continues to find a way to put up decent fantasy totals every week. That said, he is still too risky to consider as anything more than a bye week fill in.

38. Marvin Harrison (IND) – He is capable, but Harrison is no longer a reliable fantasy option, especially with a poor week 10 match up against Pittsburgh’s top ranked pass defense.

39. Shaun McDonald (DET) – He has put up strong numbers in back to back weeks now. McDonald is a quality receiver and if he continues to see targets, he will make plays. That said, we’d still like to see more from him before we recommend using him as anything more than a bye week replacement or flex play.

40. Rashied Davis (CHI) – He probably isn’t going to give you monster stat lines, but we like what Davis is bringing to the table. With 2 TD receptions in his last 3 games, Davis is developing into a decent fantasy option as a flex play or bye week replacement. Unfortunately, he is not highly recommended this week against a very good Titans secondary.